Until then it had been an anxious return to Glanford Park for former Iron boss Nigel Adkins who saw his side play second fiddle for long spells.

Scunthorpe produced their best display so far this season but just could not find their finishing touch.

They firmly held the balance of power in the first half and were only a whisker away from taking the lead in the 35th minute when midfield man Neal Bishop forced a flying fingertip save from keeper Adam Federici with a cracking 25 yard free-kick.

Bishop also tested Federici with an earlier effort, while strikers Paddy Madden and Gary McSheffrey also went close as Scunthorpe showed some bright attacking intent.

Reading showed three changes from the side crushed 4-0 at Nottingham Forest on Saturday, handing full debuts to Jamie Mackie, Jake Cooper and Craig Tanner.

But they struggled to offer much attacking intent.

It was Scunthorpe on top again in the second half, with Madden (twice) and Bishop all going close.

It was against the run of play when Reading snatched an 85th minute winner when substitute Taylor forcing his shot home from close range after Scunthorpe had failed to clear a corner.